Looking Shy; The Manners of a Young Girl of the Meiji Era 1888

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi made this woodblock print, Looking Shy: The Manners of a Young Girl of the Meiji Era, sometime in the late 19th century. This image and others in the series offer a glimpse into the rapidly modernizing culture of Meiji-era Japan. Yoshitoshi presents a young woman embodying traditional ideals of feminine modesty. The title itself emphasizes manners, hinting at the strict social expectations placed on women during this period. The visual codes, from her demure posture to the elaborate hairstyle, speak to a culture deeply rooted in social hierarchy and gender roles. The inclusion of text and a decorative comb suggests an engagement with literacy and fashion, both increasingly accessible to women in urban centers. Yoshitoshi produced these prints during a time of great institutional change for Japanese art. As Japan opened to the West, traditional art forms were forced to compete with European styles and techniques. Woodblock prints like this one served as both a nostalgic look at traditional culture and a modern commercial product. By examining historical documents, fashion trends, and art market dynamics of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Yoshitoshi's work reflects the complex social and cultural landscape of Meiji-era Japan.